Alaska enchanted all of us from the moment we arrived. In Fairbanks, time slowed, the air sharpened, and every night held the promise of something extraordinary. | | | | | Alaska enchanted all of us from the moment we arrived. In Fairbanks, time slowed, the air sharpened, and every night held the promise of something extraordinary. We spent our days bundled up and rosy-cheeked, laughing while we sped through the snow pulled by rambunctious dogs, dropped our lines in fish-filled waters and enjoyed the golden light that made everything sparkle. We spent our nights standing under a vast, silent sky – waiting. Then the northern lights appeared, rippling and alive, painting the darkness in greens and violets. The happiness was simple and complete: shared wonder, deep quiet and the kind of joy that lingers long after you leave. If seeing the aurora has ever lived on your bucket list, this is how to plan a trip to Fairbanks, where each moment is filled with magic. | | | | Seeing the northern lights | | | I screamed, I cried, I nearly exploded with wonder when I first saw the lights. Alone, wrapped in a blanket outside our room, I was watching the faint glow, when suddenly the lights exploded in the sky. The aurora peaked in pink and danced like ribbons across the sky. I took a moment to enjoy it, just me, because awe deserves to be felt.
Another favorite moment was on the last morning at 4:30am, two sleepy kids cuddled between their dad and me, when purple lights filled the sky outside the window. We suited up and walked to breakfast with the lights erupting above us for one final show. | | | I’ll admit, I thought this would be boring. Boy, was I wrong. Our guide, Tyson, welcomed us to the little hut, and then he showed us the holes he’d drilled in the ice. He baited our lines and demonstrated how to drop them. We waited, felt the nibble and with a little jerk, we’d try to hook the fish. It was challenging and extremely satisfying when one of us reeled a glistening trout or salmon to the surface. My daughter was by far the best of us.
| We did a couple of these, and each one was as much fun as the last – even the one with the reindeer, which I found a little kitschy. But when my son got his hands on that reindeer leash, I was pretty sure he’d never let go. His sister asked politely for her turn, and he responded, “You can do it with me.” I let him have his moment. The rest of us enjoyed the sun sparkling on the white snow, the faint pink light glowing in the sky and the sharp cold on our cheeks.
| | | Other ways to see the northern lights | | | Photography credits: Sarah Stocking/Lonely Planet | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
